India clinched the top spot in Group 2 after registering a dominant win over Zimbabwe in their last Super 12 game. After posting a massive total, the Men in Blue bundled out their opponents to just 115. But after this victory, questions about Team India’s selections were raised especially around R Ashwin, who hasn’t been at his best in the World Cup.
Former Indian World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has been one of the biggest critics of the off-spinner. He believes that Ashwin hasn’t given him enough confidence to continue being part of the playing XI in the knockout stages of the tournament. While speaking on ABP News, he said, “Until now, Ashwin hasn't given me the confidence. He picked up wickets today but it didn't look as if he got them.”
Dev said, “In fact, batsmen iss tarah out huye ki unhe khud bhi 1-2 wickets lete huye sharam aa rahi thi (Some of the batsmen got out in a way that Ashwin himself couldn't believe it). He was hiding his face. Picking up wickets obviously gives you that confidence but the Ashwin we know, we haven't seen him show the same rhythm.”
So far in the World Cup, Ashwin has picked up six wickets from five games out of which three were against Zimbabwe. He has also gone for runs in matches against South Africa and Bangladesh where the Indian team was in difficult situations. Hence Kapil Dev has been pushing for the selection of Yuzvendra Chahal, who has not played a single game so far.
Dev expressed that Chahal’s inclusion could be a surprise for the opposition as he said, “But if you want to surprise the opposition, they can always turn to the wrist-spinner (Chahal). Whoever wins the confidence of the management and captain, will play.”